Growth is on the agenda as The Breakfast Exchange returns to Bath

Bath is keen for growth, if the energy in the room for the latest instalment of the Breakfast Exchange is anything to go by.

The latest in the series of events, co-organised by The Business Exchange, Thrings and Richardson Swift saw the panel packed with leading Bath-based organisations tackle the topic of “Going for Growth”, providing insights into what has led to their success, the challenges their industries face at present and what is on the horizon.

More than 80 businesses and charities from across Bath were in attendance at the event, held at The Ivy on 1 June, taking full advantage of the networking opportunity before the main discussion to debate the topic at hand and catch up with contacts.

Alongside Thrings Managing Partner Simon Holdsworth and Richardson Swift Managing Director Debbie Boulton, the panel compared by Business Exchange Editor Anita Jaynes featured James Lowther, CEO of full-fibre broadband provider Truespeed, and Richard Godfrey, CEO and Co-founder of software developers Rocketmakers. Both brought an exciting technology-focused perspective to the discussion, sharing their experience as well as a few laughs.

Once underway, the conversation addressed topics ranging from planning for the future and the definition of success to the wellbeing of staff to the debate around the usage of artificial intelligence, featuring plenty of interaction with the audience as people contributed their views and experiences.

Simon Holdsworth, Managing Partner of Thrings Solicitors, said: “Today’s discussion was a very thought-provoking take on what is a massive goal for most businesses, and it was a pleasure to be a part of.

“While we all share a general view on the definition of growth, what it can mean for us in both professional and personal capacities is very much a subjective matter and it was great to see such a variety of perspectives coming from the panel and the audience.”

Debbie Boulton, Chartered Accountant and Managing Director at Richardson Swift, added: “With such a fantastic first event back in March, we wondered how any follow up event could match the engaging atmosphere and fascinating debate, but today has certainly hit the mark!

“It is clear that the local economy in Bath has a taste for growth, with everyone so willing to come together and share their views on the challenges we all face. We look forward to seeing everyone at the next Breakfast Exchange event later this year.”

James Lowther, CEO of Truespeed, said: “It was great to be a part of the Breakfast Exchange panel and talk about our journey. It is a very exciting time to be in our sector right now, with so much going on at Truespeed, rolling out our network in and around Bath, and it was great to be able to share that with a very responsive audience today.”

Richard Godfrey, CEO and Co-founder Rocketmakers, added: “Tech is an area where growth can happen so rapidly, but there are a great deal of challenges that come with it that people aren’t always aware of and so I am always grateful to have a chance to share our story today and what it has taught us as a business. I’m already looking forward to the next Breakfast Exchange and getting involved as part of the audience.”